President William Ruto on Saturday, May 13, indicated that he would go on with his plan to slap Kenyans with his ambitious tax proposals.
Speaking during the burial of former freedom fighter Mukami Kimathi, Ruto noted that his goal was to increase tax revenue more than his predecessors did.
Ruto's plan has caused widespread condemnation from from Kenyans who blame his Kenya Kwanza government for doing nothing to alleviate the high cost of living.
Kenyans.co.ke spoke to analysts on whether the growing disgruntlement would turn to voter mutiny making Ruto the first head of state in Kenya to only serve for one term.
Can Ruto serve one term?
Governance expert and advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Dr Brian Mutie opined that while the salary deduction was a thorny issue, the presidential outcome could not solely be determined through approval ratings.
“Elections in Kenya are not won in numerals, as much as we want to appear as a democratic country, numbers do not play such a significant role in winning an election,” Mutie remarked.
“It is not easy for a President in Africa to serve one term because, by all means necessary, they will find a way to retain power,” he added.
On his part, Duncan Okatch, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya argued that Kenya was in the right place democratically to unseat a president.
“It is a myth that you cannot unseat a president in Africa. It has been demonstrated that with the right electoral reforms, people can express their will at the ballot,” Okatch stated.
He added that while a president can do anything within his power, it was highly unlikely that Ruto would go that route should he lose his re-election bid.
“Past heads of state have set a precedent that will pressure Ruto to adhere. For example, former President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over power despite not supporting Ruto,” he explained.
Further, Okatch drew examples from when Former President Daniel Moi handed over power to Mwai Kibaki despite having supported Uhuru.
What will happen to Ruto’s tenure if he goes ahead with proposed taxations and salary deductions?
Mutie held that it was too early to judge Ruto and that the President had four years to create a legacy that would define his regime.
“It is a bit too early to judge the President since his term is only in its benign stages.
“Kenyans will judge Ruto on the ballot in 2027 by what he would have done then. Kenyans might voice their displeasure now but if the President uses the taxes well, he might turn the disgruntlement into admiration,” Mutie explained why it was premature to determine if Ruto would win in 2027.
While agreeing it was premature to judge Ruto, Okatch noted that Ruto was making a huge political gamble through his tax reforms and policies.
“There is nothing wrong with the President introducing taxes to widen his revenue base but it should be gradual.
“The proposed deductions will affect every Kenyan without discrimination. This means the President risks losing his support base, especially Hustler Nation which he used as a stepping stone to presidency,” he cautioned the President.
The taxation issue has seen Ruto receive criticism from even leaders who were supporting his candidature.
Outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna on Saturday, May 13, warned Ruto that he risked losing his support base.
“Over-taxing the already over-taxed Kenyans without corresponding delivery of services, would stifle growth, industry, innovation and transformation,” Miguna warned the President.
